Round cake pans are the cornerstone of every baker's arsenal, offering versatility and precision for crafting delectable desserts. With their uniform shape and heat distribution, these pans ensure even baking, resulting in flawlessly golden cakes every time. From towering layer cakes to delicate tortes, round cake pans empower bakers to unleash their creativity and produce stunning confections for any occasion. In this guide, we'll delve into the world of round cake pans, exploring their various sizes, materials, and features, as well as sharing expert tips for successful baking. Whether you're a novice baker or a seasoned pastry chef, join us as we uncover the essential role of round cake pans in achieving bakery-worthy treats, and check out our top choice, the Wilton Round Cake Pan.
Here's a brief guide that can help you choose the most remarkable round cake pans without wasting a second.
What Should You Consider When Buying Round Cake Pans?
Getting your hands on good quality round cake pans is as important a process as the cake you plan to bake in it. That's why some key features and concerns should be on your mind when shopping for these kinds of pans.
Size of the cake
Round cake pans come in a wide variety of sizes. Small cakes are usually baked in rounds that are six inches wide at the base and eight inches tall. Medium cakes are usually baked in rounds that are a half-inch wider at the base and two inches taller. Large cakes are usually baked in rounds that are a half-inch wider at the base and three inches taller. Extra-large cakes are usually baked in rounds that are a half-inch wider at the base and four inches taller. Your cooking needs should inform the size of pan you select.
Layers
The round cake pans are available with different numbers of layers. A greater number of layers means more cakes can be baked at a time. That's why if you plan on preparing a bulk, you should opt for multiple layered pans.
The Material
Having a good material for a cake pan is essential. It should be safe for the food. Some brands use various harmful chemicals to add extra features to the pans. Such materials or chemicals may extend the life of the cake pan, but can also be hazardous to your health. That's why you must always choose bakeware that is free of such additives. Plus, you should make sure that the material you are choosing is durable enough to last with repeated use.
Temperature Tolerance
Another important factor that should never be forgotten when buying a round cake pan is its relative heat tolerance. Cake pans have to go into ovens with very high heat which necessitates choosing a type of pan that can tolerate extreme temperatures.
What Are the Perks of Using Round Cake Pans?
A round cake pan offers a variety of benefits. Here are a few of them:
Shape
The cakes made from round cake pans are usually flat on the top, making it easy to form layers. Many professionals recommend round cake pans as they produce cakes in a uniform shape. This is important, especially if the cakes are being sold to customers. A round cake pan will also produce cakes with a more appetizing and appealing appearance.
Non-stick
The non-stick coating of the cake pan prevents the cake from sticking to the sides when being taken out. The non-stick coating also makes separating the layers of cake easier after baking.
Versatile
A round cake pan can be used in a variety of ways. You can make a cake in it, cook vegetables in it, roast chicken, cook soups and sauces, etc. A round cake pan is similar to a casserole dish. It can be used to bake classic casseroles, lasagna and lasagna-like dishes, and other items that are typically baked with a casserole dish.
Even Browning and Heating
When the cake batter is baked in a round cake pan, heat is evenly distributed throughout the entire pan. By baking the cake in a circular shape, you allow for even browning. If you notice on a rectangular-shaped cake, browning occurs on the longer sides of the cake whereas the short sides remain white. However, when using a round cake pan, this won't happen. All batter exposed directly to the pan browns uniformly.
How to Keep Your Cakes From Burning While Using Round Cake Pans?
Round cake pans can burn cakes if you use the wrong technique. The reason is that heat is expressed directly from the metallic cake pans. Here are a few simple ways to avoid burning your cakes:
- You should not bake the cake right out of the refrigerator. If you do, heat will not be distributed evenly, and the side of the cake will start to cook long before the center is done.
- If you keep your oven temperature relatively low, you should have fewer problems with overcooking. If you start baking at 325 degrees Fahrenheit, you might need to set your timer for 5 to 7 minutes longer.
- In addition to everything else, make sure to select the kind of material that can withstand high temperatures. It's very important to keep your cake from burning and turning into oversized hockey pucks. Investment in this area will be worth it for a greater baking experience and better, more reproducible outcomes.
How to Clean Round Cake Pans?
Cleaning a round cake pan doesn't require much work. You just need to follow these simple steps and pay attention and everything will go smoothly.
- To clean new cake pans, use hot water and dishwashing liquid, then dry them again with a clean piece of cloth or tissue paper.
- For old and stained pans, use a little bit of soap and water. Rub the pan gently to clean, then plunge it into cold water. The cake will come out easily.
- If the stains are still there, use 1/2 cup of bleach (without scent) and let the pan soak for 30 minutes. After that, just scrub and rinse the pan. The stains will be gone.
